Mercedes Mullins
Oxy-fuel cutting is a combustion process that uses oxygen or a fuel gas flame to cut through materials. The flame has two parts: a light blue inner cone and a darker blue to colourless outer cone. The inner cone is where the acetylene and oxygen combine to create a temperature of 6,000 °F (3,320 °C), which is hot enough to melt steel. The metal is heated by the flame until it is cherry red or bright orange, at which point oxygen is supplied to the heated parts, creating a cutting jet. This process provides almost 100% oxidation during cutting, leaving almost no molten steel in the slag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flame colour | Light blue inner cone, darker blue to colourless outer cone |
| Temperature | 4400°F to 6000°F |
| Kindling temperature | 1600°F |
| Metal colour at kindling temperature | Bright orange |
| Torch head | One or two pipes running to the nozzle, no oxygen-blast trigger, two valve knobs at the bottom of the handle |
| Cutting torch head | Oxygen blast trigger or lever |
| Metal colour at cutting temperature | Cherry red |
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What You'll Learn
Oxy-fuel cutting is a combustion process using oxygen or a fuel gas flame
The flame itself is chemically neutral, with two parts: the light blue inner cone and the darker blue to colourless outer cone. The inner cone is where the acetylene and oxygen combine, reaching temperatures of around 6000°F (3,320°C). This is hot enough to melt steel.
Oxy-fuel cutting can be used to cut through paint, dirt, rust and other surface materials coating old steel. It provides almost 100% oxidation during cutting, leaving no molten steel in the slag and preventing cut material from "sticking" together.
A cutting torch head is used to cut materials. It is similar to a welding torch but can be identified by the oxygen blast trigger or lever. When cutting, the metal is heated by the flame until it is cherry red, at which point oxygen is supplied by pressing the oxygen-blast trigger.
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The metal must be raised to a kindling temperature of 1600°F
Oxy-fuel cutting is a combustion process that uses oxygen or a fuel gas flame to cut through metal. The metal must be raised to a kindling temperature of 1600°F for mild carbon steel. This is done by heating the metal with a flame until it turns cherry red or bright orange. Once this temperature is reached, the cutting oxygen lever is opened and high-purity oxygen is introduced. This oxygen chemically combines with the iron, resulting in a cutting jet that rapidly oxidises the steel through the depth of the cut. The metal will also produce sparks on the top edge.
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The metal will turn cherry red
Oxy-fuel cutting is a combustion process that uses oxygen or a fuel gas flame. The flame is chemically neutral and consists of a light blue inner cone and a darker blue to colourless outer cone. The inner cone is where the acetylene and oxygen combine, and the tip of this inner cone is the hottest part of the flame, reaching temperatures of up to 6000°F (3,320°C).
Once the kindling temperature is reached, the cutting oxygen lever is opened and high-purity oxygen is introduced. This creates an exothermic reaction, resulting in what is generally referred to as the "cutting jet". Oxy-gasoline torches can also cut through paint, dirt, rust and other surface materials coating old steel. This system provides almost 100% oxidation during cutting, leaving almost no molten steel in the slag to prevent "sticking" together cut material.
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Oxygen is supplied to the heated parts
Oxy-fuel cutting is a combustion process that uses oxygen or a fuel gas flame. The heating flame warms up the material to its ignition temperature, which is around 1600°F for mild carbon steel. Once the metal reaches a bright orange colour and sparks are noticed on the top edge, the cutting oxygen lever is opened and high-purity oxygen is introduced.
The result of this reaction is the formation of liquid iron oxide, which is blasted out of the cut. This process is similar to welding, but can be identified by the presence of an oxygen blast trigger or lever. Oxy-fuel cutting requires protective equipment to prevent oxygen from flowing into the fuel-gas system and vice versa.
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The oxygen chemically combines with the iron exothermically
Oxy-fuel cutting is a combustion process that uses oxygen or a fuel gas flame. The metal is heated to its ignition temperature, which is around 1600°F for mild carbon steel, and the metal will turn a bright orange colour. Once this temperature is reached, an oxygen jet of at least 99.5% purity is blown onto the heated spot, oxidising the metal. This is an exothermic reaction, which means it produces heat. The result of this reaction is called the 'cutting jet'.
The exothermic reaction between the oxygen and iron is a crucial step in the oxy-fuel cutting process. It is what allows the metal to be cut effectively and efficiently. The heat produced by the reaction helps to maintain the high temperature required for the cutting process. Additionally, the oxidation of the steel weakens the metal, making it easier to cut through.
The specific temperature required for the exothermic reaction to occur can vary depending on the type of metal being cut. For example, mild carbon steel has a kindling temperature of approximately 1600°F, while other metals may have slightly different ignition temperatures. It is important to reach this temperature before introducing the oxygen jet to ensure a successful and safe cutting process.
Overall, the exothermic reaction between the oxygen and iron is a key component of oxy-fuel cutting. By combining the oxygen and iron, a rapid oxidation of the steel occurs, forming the 'cutting jet' and enabling the efficient cutting of the metal. This reaction is an essential step in the process, as it provides the necessary heat and weakens the metal, facilitating a precise and effective cut.
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Frequently asked questions
The flame is blue.
The inner cone of the flame is light blue.
The outer cone of the flame is dark blue to colourless.
The metal turns cherry red when it reaches its ignition temperature.
The metal turns bright orange when it reaches its kindling temperature.
